News: Niger expels 3 senior executives of Chinese oil company

On Friday, March 14, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that the military government of Niger in West Africa has ordered the expulsion of three Chinese oil company executives working in the country.

This action is seen as the latest move by the Niger military government to strengthen its control over resources.

According to the report, the departure of the heads of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), and the jointly operated Soraz refinery in Niger was requested on Wednesday.

The authorities have accused these three companies of various violations, including refusal to implement “fair wage standards” for local workers and failure to comply with local supplier quotas in contracts.

According to a compilation of local media reports by Agence France-Presse, the authorities have given these Chinese company executives 48 hours to leave the country.

In addition, the Nigerien Ministry of Tourism has revoked the operating permit of the four-star Soluxe International Hotel in the capital, operated by the China Huayou Group. This hotel primarily hosts Chinese employees from the three aforementioned companies. The hotel is accused of tax evasion and engaging in “discriminatory practices and prohibiting entry to nationals of other countries.”

The escalating tensions between the Niger military government and Chinese companies may have broader implications for foreign investment in the region. Observers are closely monitoring the situation to see how it may impact diplomatic relations and economic cooperation between Niger and China.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the situation and is reportedly seeking to engage in diplomatic discussions with the Nigerien authorities to address the issues raised.

It remains to be seen how this expulsion order and the related allegations will affect the business operations and investments of Chinese companies in Niger, as well as the broader implications for economic cooperation between China and African nations. The situation highlights the potential challenges faced by foreign companies operating in resource-rich but politically complex environments.